Artichoke plant named ‘PS-MSG0619’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct  Cynara cardunculus  var.  scolymus  L. cultivar of artichoke plant named ‘PS-MSG0619’, characterized by its fleshiness of bracts; fleshiness of hearts; uniformity of head shapes; and male sterility which is demonstrated by the absence of pollen on all florets during anthesis.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L.

Variety denomination: ‘PS-MSG0619’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of artichoke plant, botanically known as Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L, and herein referred to by the cultivar name ‘PS-MSG0619’.

Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L, commonly known as Globe artichoke, is a thistle-like perennial herb and is a member of the family Asteraceae. Globe artichokes comprise: leaves, which are pinnately lobed; but primarily spiney; oval capitula composed of an involucre of overlapping layers of large bracts; a receptacle, which are enlarged and fleshy. Globe artichoke plants may be propagated by division or vegetative means, and are essentially grown for the production of the immature flower heads, which are considered as vegetable delicacies. Fresh artichokes may be baked, steamed, or boiled, after which the fleshy receptacle, inner and outer bracts, and parts of the floral stem may be eaten.

The new artichoke cultivar is a product of a planned breeding program carried out by the inventor, William J. Colfer, in Chowchilla, Calif., in 2004. The new artichoke cultivar ‘PS-MSG0619’ is a result of a controlled cross between the female (seed) parent, Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L designated ‘GGMSC5’ (unpatented) and the male (pollen) parent, Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L designated ‘GGRCHB01’ (unpatented) The new artichoke ‘PS-MSG0619’ was discovered and selected by the inventor, as a single flowering plant within the progeny of the stated cross following several cycles of self-pollination in an outdoor field environment in 2003/2004 in Merced County, Calif. Self-pollination procedures were controlled by using “plant bagging” methods to create physical barriers around individual inflorescence. Specifically, pollen was collected from this selected plant and reintroduced three days later (self-pollination) to the same plant. Subsequent plant evaluation, selection and additional self-pollination were performed in outdoor field environment the following season(s). Following three cycles of inbreeding the progeny of these efforts was observed during anthesis. The lack of pollen presence in PS-MSG0619 was observed. This plant was retained for further observation, vegetative propagation and experimentation.

Asexual reproduction of the artichoke ‘PS-MSG0619’ by vegetative cuttings was first performed in (August 2004) in Castroville, Calif., and has demonstrated that the combination of characteristics as herein disclosed for the new cultivar are firmly fixed and retained through successive generations of asexual reproduction. The new cultivar reproduces true to type.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be unique characteristics of ‘PS-MSG0619’, which in combination distinguish this artichoke as a new and distinct cultivar:

-   -   1. fleshiness of bracts;     -   2. fleshiness of hearts;     -   3. uniformity of head shapes; and     -   4. male sterility which is demonstrated by the absence of pollen         on all florets during anthesis.         It should be noted that these data were collected from second         year transplants.

Plants of the new Cynara ‘PS-MSG0619’ differ from plants of the parents, ‘GGMSC5’ (unpatented) and ‘GGRCHB01’ (unpatented) in the following characteristics described in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Comparison with Parental Varieties Female Parent Male Parent New Cultivar ‘GGMSC5’ ‘GGRCHB01’ Characteristic ‘PS-MSG0619’ (unpatented) (unpatented) Head Number 7.20 5.8 7.25 Head Shape oval oval Slightly rounded oval Head Color 5 GY 5/6- 5 GY 5/4- 5 GY 4/6-5 GY 6/6 5 GY 6/6 5 GY 4/4

Of the many commercial cultivars known to the present inventor, the most similar in comparison to the new Cynara ‘PS-MSG0619’ is Cynara ‘GREEN GLOBE’ (unpatented), in the following characteristics described in Table 2:

TABLE 2 Comparison with Similar Variety New Cultivar Comparison Cultivar Name Characteristic ‘PS-MSG0619’ ‘GREEN GLOBE' (unpatented) Average Head Number 7.2  6.4  Head exterior color Green Yellow (non-glossy) Green (no glossiness) Fleshiness of bract (cm) 0.46 0.51

For identification, a series of AFLP molecular markers have been determined for this new artichoke cultivar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs illustrate the overall appearance of the new artichoke ‘PS-MSG0619’ showing the colors as true as is reasonably possible with colored reproductions of this type. Colors in the photographs may differ slightly from the color values cited in the detailed botanical description, which accurately describe the color of ‘PS-MSG0619’. The depicted plant and plant parts of the new artichoke ‘PS-MSG0619’ were taken in Merced County, Calif. of second year transplants.

FIG. 1 shows a side view perspective of several ‘PS-MSG0619’ plants grown in the field;

FIG. 2 shows a close-up, side view perspective of a single head of ‘PS-MSG0619’ grown in the field;

FIG. 3A shows a close-up perspective of typical fruit, with their attached bracts (interior appearance); FIG. 3B shows a close up (interior appearance) of interior bracts (top of photograph) and outer bracts (bottom of photograph).

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The new artichoke ‘PS-MSG0619’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype of the new cultivar may vary with variations in environment factors, including weather (temperature, humidity, and light intensity), day length, soil type, and location, without any change in the genotype of the plant.

The aforementioned photographs, together with the following observations, measurements and values describe plants of ‘PS-MSG0619’ as grown in Castroville, Calif., under conditions which closely approximate those generally used in horticultural practice.

Castroville is located in California's central coast. Conditions can vary greatly during the summer months. Air temperature can range between the low 20's (degrees Fahrenheit) in the winter to above 80 (degrees Fahrenheit) during the summer months. Relative humidity is generally moderate with values ranging from the mid 40's to the high 60's. Prevailing winds are westerly, and rainfall rarely exceeds 25″ (inches) of rainfall.

In the following description, holding quality was measured by the physical appearance of the harvested heads. This includes the heads appearance following 3, 7 and 10 day storage periods in a cold storage room held at 34 (degrees Fahrenheit). Head exterior (oxidation) was observed at each of the three observation points. Browning and blackening of plant tissue was evaluated as light, moderate and extreme. Juiciness was measured by observing exudate and rated as absent, moderate or excessive. Overall storage response was measured by observations concentrated on visible color variability and/or presence of lesions or other cosmetic anomalies. Leaf ratio (L/W) was determined by dividing representative leaf sample length measurements by representative leaf sample width measurements. Finally, head response to (weather) was determined by observing the heads at maturity. These field observations focus on presence or absence of bronzing, necrotic and chlorotic lesions or any abiotic response to environmental conditions. These data are reported as the possible causal event(s), and then describe the detailed head and plant responses.

The age of the plants in the aforementioned photographs, together with the following observations, measurements and values describe plants of ‘PS-MSG0619’ about 890-921 days from transplanting. Plants were developed in transplant trays for about 120 to 150 days, for a total plant age of about 270 to 330 days. Not all greenhouse plantings are performed on the same day. Physical data collection may also be performed on different days.

All color references below are measured against The Munsell Book of Color, Munsell Color Macbeth Division of Kollmorgen Instruments Corporation, (1988/PRO88-A). Colors are approximate as color depends on horticultural practices such as light level and fertilization rate, among others.

-   Classification:     -   -   Botanical.—Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L. -   Parentage:     -   -   Female or seed parent.—Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L             designated ‘GGMSC5’ (unpatented).         -   Male or pollen parent.—Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus L             designated ‘GGRCHB01’ (unpatented). -   Propagation: Vegetative cuttings (side-shoots selected and harvested     from original parent selection. -   Plant:     -   -   Height.—About 169.80 cm. Range: 165.10 cm to 173.00 cm.         -   Width.—About 148.25 cm. Range: 123.20 cm to 171.00 cm.         -   Growth habit.—Upright/intermediate.         -   Vigor.—Good. (This measurement is based on overall plant             performance. Including plant height, density of leaf canopy             and overall plant growth and development rates). -   Lateral shoots: These offshoots or suckers from axillary buds are     borne at the base of the stem just below the soil surface.     -   -   Number per plant.—About 2.0 or 5.0 per plant.         -   Length.—About 28.67 cm. Range: 20.32 cm to 33.26 cm.         -   Diameter.—About 2.17 cm. Range: 2.0 cm to 2.4 cm.         -   Color.—5 GY 6/4-5 GY 5/4. Anthocyanin coloration range: 10             RP 5/4-10 RP 4/4.         -   Foliage density.—Open to moderate, variable shoots give             plant an open to moderate plant density appearance.         -   Side shoot development.—Moderate side shoot development.             Plant responds to floral stalk removal inducing side-shoot             development.         -   Number of leaves per side shoot.—Ranges from 3 to 6. -   Stem (main):     -   -   Length.—About 12.19 cm. Range: 7.62 cm to 15.75 cm.         -   Diameter.—About 7.33 cm. Range: 5.33 cm to 9.40 cm.         -   Width (with leaves).—Ranges from 5.72 cm to 8.89 cm.         -   Color.—Color Designation: 5 GY 5/6-5 GY 5/4 coloration with             basal anthocyanin coloration: 5RP 5/4-5RP 4/4.         -   Texture.—Stem texture can vary from areas that are tomentum             to tomentose. Maturity and presence of surrounding leaf             tissue influence stem pubescence.         -   Number of leaves per main stem.—Ranges from 12 to 14.         -   Distance between leaf lobes (use petiole or leaf insertion             not lobes) on stem.—Ranges from 5.7 cm to 7.5 cm.         -   Internode length.—Ranges from 8.8 cm to 11.3 cm (Internode             length influenced by soil conditions (moisture) in the             field. -   Buds:     -   -   Shape: (please confirm/modify).—Typically ovate. Range from             slightly round to oval; surrounded by developing leaf             tissue.         -   Height.—Ranges 15.24 cm to 18.54 cm.         -   Diameter.—Ranges 17.27 cm to 18.03 cm.         -   Color: (please confirm/modify).—Color dependent on age and             exposure to sun. Ranges 5 GY 5/6-5 GY 6/6.         -   Texture: (please confirm/modify).—Glabrous, with some light             pubescence at the base of the buds. -   Inflorescence: Mature, meaning grown to point of harvest and ready     for consumption. -   Florets:     -   -   Number per primary head.—Range of about 837 to 1341.         -   Overall shape.—Tubulose, fused basal region anther tubes             that flare slightly to a flattened, expanded obtuse apex             stigmatic region.         -   Width.—About 1.6 mm.         -   Color.—Purple-Blue, color dependent on floret age. Ranges             10PB 4/12-10PB 4/8-10PB 5/8. Florets oxidize to darker             stigmatic colors and lighter anther colors late in             maturation.         -   Margin.—Entire.         -   Texture.—Smooth. -   Capitulum (head):     -   -   Number.—About 7.20/plant. Range: 6.0 to 8.0 heads/plant.         -   Shape.—Predominately oval shapes, and slightly broadened             mid-sections, creating rounded to oval shape.         -   Size: (These measurements reflect the circumference range of             the individual grades.).—(12) Primary: 36.20 cm to             38.10 cm. (18) Secondary: 28.58 cm to 30.40 cm. (24)             Secondary: 31.12 cm to 33.02 cm. (30) Tertiary: 28.58 cm to             30.48 cm. (36) Tertiary: 26.04 cm to 27.94 cm. (48)             Tertiary: 23.50 cm to 25.40 cm.         -   Texture.—Intermediate, smooth and non-glossy.         -   Color.—Ranges 5 GY 5/6-5 GY 6/6. Some marginal anthocyanin             coloration is visible on the basal portions of bracts. (2.5             RP 3/6-2.5 RP 3/4).         -   Fragrance.—Mild, lightly aromatic. Slightly sweet aroma,             freshly cut — green grass aroma.         -   Firmness.—Heads are firm. Some head types in the spring have             reduced firmness.         -   Gloss.—Non-gloss green/tips yellow coloration. Heads have             distinct overall flat green coloration.         -   Juiciness.—Some interior bracts have exudate visible. Most             outer bracts and peduncle tissues are absent of exudate. -   Peduncle:     -   -   Length.—Ranges 18.0 cm to 26.0 cm.         -   Diameter.—Ranges 2.00 cm to 2.40 cm.         -   Color.—Ranges 5 GY 7/6-5 GY 6/6. Deep grooves travel             lengthwise modifying color uniformity.         -   Texture.—Early development can be tomentose while later             development can be delicately tomentose. Distinct smooth             grooves are also evident; running the length of the             peduncle. -   Bract:     -   -   Number.—About 56.60 bracts. Range: 54 to 60 bracts.         -   Arrangement.—Bracts layer and overlap attaching to a fleshy             receptacle.         -   Length.—About 6.74 cm (outer); Range: 6.50 cm to 7.00 cm.             About 5.84 cm (inner). Range: 5.50 cm to 6.20 cm.         -   Width.—About 5.21 cm (outer). Range: 4.70 cm to 5.50 cm.             About 5.84 cm (inner). Range: 5.50 cm to 6.20 cm.         -   Shape.—Bracts are predominantly oval shaped with some bracts             displaying deep apical notching. Inner bracts have             constricted basal regions that expand at the base forming             two rounded lobes.         -   Texture.—Smooth, slight texture.         -   Color (inner)(position in capitulum).—*Bract interior             coloration: 2.5 GY 6/6-10 Y 8.5/4 (Green coloration). *Outer             bract interior coloration (apex): 5 GY 7/6 / APEX: 2.5 GY             8/6 (Green — Yellow Coloration) No anthocyanin coloration             present in innermost interior bract margins.         -   Color (outer)(position in capitulum).—5 GY 6/6 (Green             Coloration). *Mid-region to base: 5 GY 6/6-5 GY 7/6 (Green             coloration with basal yellow coloration).         -   Firmness.—Malleable. Bracts are highly flexible. Outer             bracts are more flexible.         -   Spinosity.—Present on bract apexes. Spines are slight to             moderate with notched bract apexes. Length ranges between             1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in length.         -   Basal thickness.—About 4.00 mm. Range: 3.00 cm to 5.00 mm. -   Heart:     -   -   Description.—Deep concave, moderately full. Heart is             slightly concave with moderate-thin outer margins.         -   Color.—7.5 Y 9/2-10 Y 9/2. -   Pappus:     -   -   Number.—The pappus attaches at the apical region of the             mature seed. Approximately 78-88 pappus filaments per seed.             Seed numbers vary — about 837 to 1341 seeds per head. The             seed numbers vary greatly; dependent upon weather             conditions, pollination, fertilization and seed-set which             consequently influence pappus numbers.         -   Length.—About 14.5 mm. Range: 13.0 mm to 16.0 mm.         -   Color.—Variable white coloration. 10Y 9/2 (base)-10Y 8.5/2             (apex) (colors difficult to match). -   Overall cold storage response: Good cold storage response. Very     slight oxidation observed. -   Cold storage (hold quality): Good. Some very slight outer bract     brown lesions are visible. Tips are free of necrosis. -   Head exterior (oxidation): Good. Only those areas damaged during     harvest showed some oxidation. Very slight bract margin     discoloration. -   Head response (weather): None. Some exterior head damage was     observed. Some mechanical head damage was observed from abrasion     with other surrounding heads. -   Foliage:     -   -   Leaf.—Shape: Irregular, dentate leaves that are long and             strap-like, parted pinnatisect margins, and a slightly             reduced tomentose upper leaf surface and more advanced             tomentose lower leaf surface. The leaf apex is a reduced             mucronulate. Length: About 106.00 cm. Range: 94.5 cm to             113.0 cm. Width: About 41.60 cm. Range: 34.00 cm to             46.60 cm. Leaf Ratio (L/W): About 2.58. Range: 2.04 to 3.26.             Leaf Area: (Describes the total surface area of the leaf;             based on leaf L×W). About 4,393.00 cm². Range: 3696.00 cm²             to 4972.00 cm². Leaf Serrations: About 52.0 mm. Range: 35.0             mm to 62 mm. Leaf Distance Between Serrations: About             64.10 mm. Range: 57.00 mm to 75.00 mm. Leaf Basal Angle:             (This leaf basal angle is the average vertical angle plane             reference.) About 52.60°. Range: 45.0° to 60.0°. Leaf Basal             Thickness: About 9.70 mm. Range: 8.00 mm to 11.00 mm.             Texture: Mature leaves are more blistered (verrucose type             appearance). Younger, developing leaves are smooth and lack             the blistered texture. Pubescence: Smooth to sparse density.             Pubescence on most leaves is indistinct (glabrous             appearance). Immature, younger leaves are highly pubescent             (more tomentose). Color (mature): Upper surface: Ranges 5 GY             4/6-5 GY 5/6. Lower surface: Ranges 5 GY 4/4-5 GY 5/4. Color             (immature): Upper surface: Ranges 5 GY 3/6-5 GY 4/4. Lower             surface: Ranges 5 GY 4/4.         -   Lobes.—Number Per Leaf: About 12 to 16. (This number can             also vary and is influenced by soil types and winter growth             conditions). Apex Shape: Apex can vary obtuse to acute             depending on leaf maturity and developmental stages in             relation to reproductive bolting. Base Shape: Generally             pinnatisect and lobed. Length: Ranges 15.6 cm to 23.2 cm             (Dependent upon leaf developmental stages). Width: Ranges             6.5 cm to 8.4 cm.         -   Venation.—Basal regions of the leaf have slightly green             coloration. The terminal and apical regions coloration is             green. Both mid-vein and surrounding venation is green             colored. Pattern: White mid-vein with light green color             venation radiating from leaf mid-vein. Venation pattern is             described as pinnate. Color: 5 GY 7/6-5 GY 8/4 (Upper leaf             veination) ; 5 GY 8/4 (Lower leaf veination).         -   Petiole.—Length: About 9.73 cm. Range: 6.5 cm to 13.2 cm.             Width: About 2.30 cm. Range: 2.20 cm to 2.61 cm. Diameter:             About 8.33 mm. Range: About 8.0 mm to 9.0 mm. Color: 5 GY             8/4-5 GY 7/4 (Upper regions). 5 GY 8/4 (Lower regions). -   Reproductive organs/seeds: Seed are generally a light tan color with     variable black specks on the seed coat. Seed has an oval (acute     basal apex) shape. About 4 to 5 mm (w)×8 to 9 mm (l). -   Weather tolerance: No testing has been conducted. ‘PS-MSG0619’ may     be sensitive to temperatures below 20° F. -   Disease/pest resistance: No observations made. -   Disease/pest susceptibility: No observations made. -   General observations: This new artichoke hybrid is a unique type     that exhibits the following characteristics. The plants moderate     height, ranging from 164 cm to 173 cm. Its comparative head     qualities to California's artichoke variety ‘GREEN GLOBE’     (unpatented): green (non-glossy) (like ‘Green Globe’) exterior     coloration, slightly larger head numbers. Head numbers ranging from     6-8 heads per plant. Head shape does have slight variation     displaying a predominately oval shapes and, slightly broadened     mid-sections, rounded — oval shapes. These non-glossy heads are     produced in the sizes ranging from (12) primary, size (18)     secondaries and size (30, 36 and 48) tertiaries. Floral stalk     development and head numbers can vary. Anthocyanin coloration is not     present in innermost interior bract margins. The head spinosity is     present on bract apexes within apical notches. Inner bracts also     display spines but can be very slightly notched and splitting. The     average spine length ranges between 1.0-1.5 mm. The plants upright     growth habit is intermediate, but is very vigorous. The canopies     coloration is a deeper green/yellow color. These colors on Munsell     Leaf Color Chart range from 5 GY 3/6-5 GY 4/4-5 GY 5/6. Leaf     spinosity is light to moderate, categorized as few. Floral stalk     development during anthesis produces a purple flower. Flower color     varies with flower maturity. The phenotypic characteristics of this     cultivar may vary slightly, depending upon variation in the     environmental factors. Including weather (temperature, humidity and     light intensity), day length, soil type, farming practices, location     and time of year. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct Cynara cardunculus var scolymus L. cultivar of artichoke plant named ‘PS-MSG0619’, as herein described and illustrated by the characteristics set forth above. 